Arsenal’s Dominant FA Cup Win: A Sign of Things to Come?
Arsenal cruised to a 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday, February 15th, 2026, showcasing a dominant performance particularly in the first half. The win wasn’t just about progressing in the competition; it offered glimpses into potential tactical shifts and highlighted the growing depth within Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Eze’s Resurgence and Arsenal’s Attacking Options
Eberechi Eze, who struggled in the recent draw against Brentford, delivered a standout performance against Wigan, providing two assists. This resurgence is a positive sign for Arteta, adding another creative spark to Arsenal’s attacking lineup. The ability to rotate and rely on players like Eze, alongside Noni Madueke, provides tactical flexibility as the Gunners compete on four fronts.
Madueke continued his recent upturn in form, scoring the opening goal and contributing to Arsenal’s impressive attacking display. Since stepping in for Bukayo Saka, Madueke has scored three goals and provided one assist in his last five appearances, demonstrating his growing impact.
Saka’s Potential Novel Role: A Central Experiment
An intriguing aspect of the match was Bukayo Saka’s deployment in a more central position. Arteta confirmed this was an intentional experiment, hinting at a potential tactical variation for the future. Playing Saka centrally allows him to be closer to goal and makes him a more difficult reference point for opponents, as Arteta explained in his post-match press conference.
This positional change could unlock another dimension to Arsenal’s attack, offering a different dynamic and potentially maximizing Saka’s goal-scoring opportunities. The ability to interchange positions with wide players further enhances this tactical flexibility.
Norgaard’s Unexpected Brilliance: A Veteran’s Impact
While Eze and Saka garnered attention, Christian Norgaard quietly delivered a man-of-the-match performance. Despite limited playing time this season, the 31-year-traditional showcased composure and precision in midfield, drawing comparisons to players like Granit Xhaka and Declan Rice. Norgaard’s performance highlights the value of experienced players and the importance of squad depth.
His ability to dictate play, complete accurate passes (84/94) and contribute defensively (2 tackles, 2 interceptions) demonstrated his quality and versatility. Norgaard’s display suggests he could be a valuable asset as Arsenal navigate a demanding schedule.
FA Cup History and Arsenal’s Trophy Ambitions
Arsenal’s dominant win against Wigan as well comes with historical context. They became the first Premier League team to score four goals in the opening 30 minutes of an FA Cup tie. The Gunners have won the FA Cup a record 14 times, and Arteta will be eager to add to that tally, especially after reaching the Carabao Cup final.
With a strong defense – having conceded only 18 goals in 26 Premier League games – Arsenal are well-positioned to make a deep run in both the FA Cup and other competitions.
Potential Future Trends
Arsenal’s performance against Wigan suggests several potential future trends:
- Increased Tactical Flexibility: Arteta’s willingness to experiment with Saka’s position indicates a desire to adapt and evolve Arsenal’s tactics based on opponents and game situations.
- Emphasis on Squad Depth: The contributions of players like Madueke and Norgaard highlight the importance of a strong squad capable of stepping up when needed.
- Continued Focus on Attacking Football: Arsenal’s dominant attacking display demonstrates their commitment to a proactive, goal-scoring approach.
- Development of Young Talent: Madueke’s emergence as a reliable option provides further evidence of Arsenal’s success in developing young players.
FAQ
Q: What was the score of the Arsenal vs. Wigan match?
A: Arsenal won 4-0.
Q: Who scored for Arsenal in the match?
A: Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and an own goal from Jack Hunt.
Q: Did Bukayo Saka start in his usual position?
A: No, Saka played in a more central role as part of an experiment by Mikel Arteta.
Q: Who was named man of the match?
A: Christian Norgaard.
Q: What competitions is Arsenal currently competing in?
A: Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and potentially European competitions.
Pro Tip: Retain an eye on Eberechi Eze’s form. If he can consistently replicate his performance against Wigan, he’ll grow a key player for Arsenal.
What did you think of Arsenal’s performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
